Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared on Sunday, December 21, 2025, that Venezuela will remain unwavering in defending national peace and stability amid what he calls 25 weeks of sustained aggression.
According to Maduro’s social media post, these actions have ranged from psychological campaigns to alleged hijackings of oil tankers. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that Venezuelan citizens and all sectors of society are united in safeguarding stability.
U.S. news outlets reported on Sunday that the U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing a third oil tanker—named Bella 1—in international waters off Venezuela. A U.S. official told NBC News, 'The United States Coast Guard is in active pursuit of a sanctioned dark fleet vessel that is part of Venezuela's illegal sanctions evasion. It is flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order.'
This pursuit follows two recent interceptions: on December 10, U.S. forces seized the tanker Skipper and took control of its cargo; and earlier this month, the Panamanian-flagged supertanker Centuries was boarded, with the White House noting its Venezuelan crude originated from the state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA.
On December 16, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a 'total and complete blockade' of sanctioned vessels entering or leaving Venezuela, designating Maduro’s government as a 'foreign terrorist organization.'
Analysts say oil exports remain the backbone of Venezuela’s economy, making up the vast majority of its foreign revenue. According to TankerTrackers.com, dozens of sanctioned tankers are currently anchored in Venezuelan waters.
Venezuelan authorities have condemned the U.S. actions as 'piracy' and accused Washington of seeking regime change in Latin America. As the standoff continues, the government’s vow to defend peace reflects growing tensions over maritime security and economic survival.
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Maduro says Venezuela steadfast in defending national peace, stability
cgtn.com
